Giovanni took part in the Euroleage Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Kaunas, Lithuania against some of the best teams in Europe. Giovanni has only been playing 3 years and is now competing against NBA prospects. The Team Finished 5th out of 8 teams.
Giovanni believes that his experience in Lithuania will only help him develop more as a player. “I didn’t really know what to expect because I haven’t really been to a tournament outside of the uk. I found it to be a once in a lifetime experience that will help me grow as a basketball player. It was a different playing style I found it to be alot quicker and their offences flowed at a high pace with short actions.”
“The level of competition was extremely high most teams had NBA prospects and playing against that level of competition is challenging but it will only improve me as a basketball player.”
Head Coach James Vear was impressed with what he saw from Giovanni despite him not being with the team long. “A lot of credit must go to Will on the job he is doing with Gio in the short term he has been with Charnwood, Gio did incredibly well at the Tournament both on the offensive and defensive end. It isn’t easy coming in and playing with the team with only a few practices before we left for the tournament, he is a great prospect and a great kid”.
Charnwood College Head Coach Will Maynard has been impressed with Giovanni’s improvement since joining the Programme. “Giovanni has excelled in the past couple of months being with us. Extremely proud how he represented himself on and off the court. From going to playing u15s basketball last year to competing at the biggest stage in europe is credit to his hard work and dedication.”
Game 1 vs Juventut Badalona
Favourites to win tournament from sources
Huge upset
70-67 win
21 minutes 7 points 4 rebs
Game 2 vs Rytas Vilnius
Winners of the tournament
89-37 loss
20 mins 5 points 5 rebounds 3 assist 2 steals
